PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Ctenanthe lubbersiana
Bamburanta
(Morren) Eichler
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An erect, branching tropical perennial herb that distinctive forms dense, bamboo-like stalks. It features oblong, asymmetrical, blunt-tipped leaves with a rich green upper surface dynamically variegated with irregular, mottled streaks and patches of pale yellow or creamy-gold. The leaf underside is pale green or light yellowish-green, lacking the deep purple coloration common to other related genera. It produces small, inconspicuous, white tubular flowers inside green bracts on short terminal spikes.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Zingiberales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Marantaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Ctenanthe
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Morren) Eichler
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the warm, intensely humid, shaded understory and lower layers of the tropical rainforests of eastern Brazil. It is predominantly distributed within coastal and inland biomes, thriving in environments with dappled sunlight or deep shade, high humidity levels, protection from strong winds, and porous, organic-rich, moisture-retentive but highly permeable soils.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Functions as an erect, perennial clump-forming caulescent geophyte. It drives expansion through branching, jointed bamboo-like canes originating from underground rhizomes. It is heavily governed by an active circadian rhythm, shifting its leaf blade orientation twice daily via turgor variations inside the pulvini.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
45.0 - 100.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Utilizes a functional, turgor-driven pulvinus at the base of each leaf blade to perform nictinastic movements, adjusting the leaf orientation vertically during the night to prevent thermal radiation loss and dropping them during the day to optimize light interception.
Features an unusual caulescent growth habit compared to other Marantaceae, producing tall, branched, cane-like stems that allow the foliage to lift off the immediate forest floor layer and reach higher air streams or better dappled light availability.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Assessed as Least Concern (LC). Wild native clusters in the Brazilian Atlantic forest understories face moderate ongoing pressures from habitat fragmentation and land clearance for urban expansion, but the species is highly secure globally due to extensive industrial propagation as an indoor ornamental houseplant.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike many close relatives in the Marantaceae family (such as Calathea or Stromanthe), Ctenanthe lubbersiana lacks red or purple under leaf pigments, presenting an almost completely green and yellow visual palette.
The common name 'Bamburanta' is a portmanteau blending its structural similarity to bamboo stalks with its botanical affinity to the Maranta family.
The specific epithet 'lubbersiana' honors Louis Lubbers, an eminent 19th-century Belgian botanist and head gardener at the Brussels Botanical Garden.